Act 2, Part 1b: The Radish Patch Kids

[Kavonde]

Wealday, 11 Pharast, 4702 AR

In an arrowhead-shaped clearing southwest of Oleg's Trading Post grows a large patch of moon radishes, an extremely delicious vegetable said to have such a wonderful flavor that they can return the sense of taste to those who have lost it. Though not necessarily magic in nature, these radishes are said to be blessed by the goddess Desna and are physical, tangible evidence of her love for mortalkind.

About a third of the patch has been devoured by four extremely full, extremely sleepy kobolds.

Edited May 19, 2023 by Kavonde (see edit history)

[Kavonde]

THINGS THE GROUP KNOWS ABOUT "MOON RADISHES"

 

THOMAS AND ÆTHELFLÆD::

Thomas recalls a story from his youth: it was said that the local hermit, a madman known only as Whistler due to the constant whistling noise he made with every breath due to an unfortunately-sized gap between his front teeth, lost his mind due to moon radishes. While these vegetables are not narcotic, hallucinogenic, or even physically addictive, they are so incredibly delicious that, if properly prepared, they can render all other foods bland and tasteless. Whistler went insane because, after eating a particularly wonderful venison roast garnished with sauteed moon radishes, every bite of food he consumed afterwards was like dust in his mouth. The poor man could be heard sobbing some evenings, when the wind was just right and carried the smell of hot suppers to him.

Æthelflæd personally knows a promising young naiad whose entire career went astray when she began experimenting with moon radishes. Her obsession made her an outcast, and when she insulted a high-ranking leader in the Wild Hunt by complaining that the feast he was hosting lacked flavor, she was banished to the mortal world for ten thousand years.

 

ZAKON:

Zakon knows that moon radishes are considered a Class 1 illicit substance in Cheliax and Isger and are heavily regulated, if not outright banned, in Absalom, Andoran, Taldor, and Qadira. Smugglers from the Shackles made a small fortune several years ago by smuggling the radishes down the coast from Varisia and into Egorian. When the operation was uncovered, those responsible--after a very quick trial--were handed over to the Hellknight Order of the Rack for punishment.

Purely as a result of a thorough study of the relevant case files, Zakon also recalls several recipes that were given as part of witness testimony at the trial. Each one is said to be the most incredible thing that could ever touch a mortal tongue. This information is highly restricted; the transcripts from the trial are held in the same secure vault containing House Thrune's contract with Asmodeus and several pit fiends' true names.

 

LERRIS, VERNE, AND SIJA:

Lerris, Verne, and Sija know that moon radishes are safe to consume uncooked. Eaten raw, they have a very pleasing texture and a wonderful, fresh taste that makes just breathing nicer for a few minutes after.

Lerris knows this from personal experience; in his past life, his gang encountered a radish patch much like this one. Those who were satisfied with just eating the raw vegetables were fine; those who insisted on cooking them, even just roasted over a campfire, needed months to recover the ability to taste lesser foods.

Verne knows this because Shardik absolutely loves moon radishes and would, if left to his own devices, eat nothing but moon radishes. Also, they make Verne's mouth feel cool and minty.

Sija hasn't encountered moon radishes personally, but she has heard about them during her travels. Vudra has several such delicacies, such as sunrise apples, rainbow melons, and golden carrots. She also knows how dangerous they can be as ingredients, at least in terms of long-term mental health and stability.

 

ANTONIA:

Antonia knows that she could get 50 gold per radish from the right buyer.

 

Edited May 15, 2023 by Kavonde (see edit history)

[BlackHat]

Zakon Malheur

HP: 20/20 | AC: 14 | Perception: +7
Fort: +4 | Ref: +4 | Will: +9
Hero Points: O | Focus Points: O

As the wagon pulls to a stop, Zakon takes a moment to look out and survey the surrounding moon radish patch as well as the four degenerate kobolds who are sleeping off the effects. He furrows his brow disapprovingly but recognizes that even a few miles north on the Brevoian side of the border these radishes are unregulated. "Friends, it seems we have stumbled upon a fortunate find - a patch of moon radishes, considered both a delicacy and a controlled substance in different parts of the world. As we take on the responsibility of establishing the laws of this land, this will include the matter of narcotic substances and their regulation." Zakon pauses a moment, letting that sink in, before continuing his train of thought. He suspects that not everyone in the group will see eye to eye on the matter but is genuinely interested in using this as an opportunity for them to practice the sorts of important decisions they will have to make as a group, while the stakes are somewhat low. "While these moon radishes are not considered contraband in the wilds outside of certain nations, it will become our duty to create a legal framework that ensures the well-being and safety of our people. We have an opportunity here to shape the future laws surrounding such substances, considering both their potential benefits and the risks they may pose."

"I propose we take this opportunity to engage in a thoughtful and inclusive discussion to determine how we wish to approach the regulation of moon radishes and other substances in our jurisdiction. This will serve as a practice ground for us to learn and understand each other's perspectives, refine our decision-making processes, and establish a framework for handling similar issues that may arise. It will allow us to cultivate a shared vision of justice, fairness, and the well-being of our people." He then looked to his companions to see if any of them shared his enthusiasm for getting into discussions of laws and governance or if they are more inclined to move along for now and deal with this problem after they deal with the bandits.

 

Edited May 18, 2023 by BlackHat (see edit history)

[Kistler]

Sija Bhatyani - Half-Elf Ranger 2 HP: 32/32 | AC: 19 | Speed: 25ft | Hero: 1/3 | Focus: 1/1 Perception: +8 | Fort: +8 | Ref: +7 | Will: +6  Conditions-None| ResourcesInfused Items: -2x Lesser Antidote -2x Minor Elixir of Life Consumables: -1 PC affixed to dandpatta Talismans: - Items: - | AbilitiesFocus Spells: -Gravity Weapon Abilities -Darkvision -Flurry -Monster Hunter Actions: -Hunt Prey -Twin Takedown -Battle Medicine | Skills*Acrobatics: +5 *Arcana: +5 *Athletics: +8 Crafting: +1 Deception: +0 Diplomacy: +0 *Herbalism Lore: +5 Intimidate: +0 *Medicine: +6 **Nature: +8 *Occultism: +5 Performance: +0 *Religion: +6 Society: +1 *Stealth: +5 *Survival: +6 Thievery: +1 *Trained | **Expert | ***Master

---

"If these taste as good as they say, we should make great farms of them. Export bushels of them to other lands. I should add some to the cookpot at camp tonight, just to make sure." She says, probably joking, at least about the last bit. "They say people lose their minds over these things. That its all they want to eat. But every flavor loses its charm when its the only thing you eat. A few weeks of a radish-only diet and surely you'd come back to other foods. How could a radish make you forget bacon, after all?" Then again, if magic is involved, all bets are off.

"As interesting as legal frameworks might be, does anyone want to address the kobolds in the field? I don't recall they are terribly dangerous, but then, these might be all taken by Moon Radish Mania, or whatever you call it..." She says, with a very 'kids these days' tone.

---

OOC/Actions Other:  Action 1:  Action 2:  Action 3:  Reaction: None, yet Free:  Exploration Activity:

Feats -Elf Atavism (Darkvision) -Monster Hunter -Battle Medicine -Natural Medicine -Herbalist Dedication --Advanced Alchemy --Alchemical Crafting -Twin Takedown -Gravity Weapon

Appearance Sija looks like a typical Vudran woman, often dressing in the more traditional fabric wrap of her homeland and often a headscarf or shawl. She often wears some form of ornamentation or jewelry on hands, ears, neck, and brow. She is older than most, though as a half-elf she wears her six decades with dignity and grace, with few signs of the decrepitude often seen in similarly aged humans. She is tall, and stands with a straight back and good posture. Her arm is strong and well-corded with sinew and muscle, perhaps appearing a touch wiry, and her skin a bit weathered from years outside. Her hair was once a glossy black, though now it is streaked with gray; more with each passing day.   She can often be found with a cudgel, a wicked-looking curved dagger, and a whip hanging from her belt. She wears these, and warm outer clothes or a cloak to protect her from the elements, when she travels. When expecting trouble she throws a bandolier on that's filled with flasks of healing ointments and poultices.

Gear Worn -Clothing (Winter) -Breastplate -Backpack -Belt Pouch -Healer's tools -Bandolier   Weapons -Club -Corset Knife -2x Dandpatta (PC) -Flyssa -5x Darts -Whip   Containers Backpack -Bedroll -Climbing Kit -Rations (2 weeks) -5x Sacks -5x Torches -Waterskin   Bandoliers -4x Flasks Oil   Belt/Pouch -10x Chalk -Crowbar -Flint and Steel -Soap -2x Candles -2gp 4sp 6cp

[PlotDevice]

   Verne Greencloak| HP: 24/24 | AC: 19 | Fort: +5  Ref: +6  Will: +10  Perception: +8 | Hero Points: 2/3 | Spell SlotsDruid 1: 2/2

---

Shardik | HP: 26/26 | AC: 19 | Fort: +6  Ref: +6  Will: +5  Perception: +5

 

Verne says, "I'm not sure what the big deal is.  Shardik likes them a lot.  They don't grow in the north, I think they're just ok.  Why would they be a controlled substance?  What even is a controlled substance?  Honestly, Zakon, sometimes you're harder to understand than Thomas is.  As for the kobolds, they're really none of our business, are they?  I supposed we could try to wake them up and ask them to be our friends."

Meanwhile, Shardik wasted no time in going to the patch, and immediately commencing digging and eating.  Verne looks at him, and says something in his language, "Don't forget we have to fight in a little while".  The bear just makes a guttural grumbling noise in reply, and keeps digging.

[Kavonde]

While our heroes discuss the potential future legal status of life-altering vegetables, Shardik ambles forward and begins rooting up the radishes. As the bear begins crunching happily and noisily, one of the slumbering kobolds stirs. A yellow, reptilian eye opens and looks blearily around until coming to rest on the tan fur of the young ursine. There's a moment of confusion, then terror, as the overstuffed kobold tries and fails ro spring to his feet and only succeeds in sort of flopping onto his side.

"Vekim!" the hapless reptilian exclaims, his voice more of a wheeze than a cry. "Guyya! Guyya soneir hesi rasvim!"

The other kobolds begin to open their eyes, groaning and trying to move. One of them, wearing a distinctive copper headress with blue and red feathers, manages to roll onto his stomach and, with effort, push himself to his knees. He fumbles around in the grass for a moment and them comes up holding a gnarled wooden staff, with which he gestures imperiously at Shardik. "Yth tepoha turota nomeno goawy for wer pralternock xiekivi! Vortall!"

The majesty of his display is somewhat undercut by a loud and clearly unexpected belch.

So far, the groggy kobolds seem too disoriented and surprised to have noticed anyone but Shardik. Aside from the one with the headdress, none have managaed to arm themselves yet, though you can see a few discarded spears lying around the radish patch.

Edited May 20, 2023 by Kavonde (see edit history)

[PlotDevice]

   Verne Greencloak| HP: 24/24 | AC: 19 | Fort: +5  Ref: +6  Will: +10  Perception: +8 | Hero Points: 2/3 | Spell SlotsDruid 1: 2/2

---

Shardik | HP: 26/26 | AC: 19 | Fort: +6  Ref: +6  Will: +5  Perception: +5

 

Verne sighs.  He looks around at the others, but decides that since it's his best friend, this is his responsibility.

He raises his voice, and says in draconic, "Leave him alone.  We're just passing through, there's plenty for all of you. We're not here to fight, but we will if we have to."

 

 

 

Edited May 20, 2023 by PlotDevice (see edit history)

[Kavonde]

The kobold with the headress looks at Verne, raising its scaly brow ridge slightly as it regards him. "The bear is yours?" he asks in Common. "He is not threat?"

He turns his head to regard Shardik, who is happily munching on a moon radish. The bear is clearly not making any hostile moves, and neither are any of you. The kobold very reluctantly lowers his staff. "Don't let him eat too many. Need to be some left for patch to come back."

The kobold turns back to Verne, looking him over and then looking back at his companions. "Well-armed. Not too stinky. Not kill us on sight. So, not bandits. I am Shaman Sukto of Sootscale Tribe. Mean you no harm. Have enough problems." He sighs. It's the kind of sigh that invites those who hear it to inquire further. The kind of sigh that says "the difficulties I face in life at present could potentially be resolved by an armed band of brave adventurers willing to undertake great danger in exchange for treasure." You know. One of those sighs.

[Kistler]

Sija Bhatyani - Half-Elf Ranger 2 HP: 32/32 | AC: 19 | Speed: 25ft | Hero: 1/3 | Focus: 1/1 Perception: +8 | Fort: +8 | Ref: +7 | Will: +6  Conditions-None| ResourcesInfused Items: -2x Lesser Antidote -2x Minor Elixir of Life Consumables: -1 PC affixed to dandpatta Talismans: - Items: - | AbilitiesFocus Spells: -Gravity Weapon Abilities -Darkvision -Flurry -Monster Hunter Actions: -Hunt Prey -Twin Takedown -Battle Medicine | Skills*Acrobatics: +5 *Arcana: +5 *Athletics: +8 Crafting: +1 Deception: +0 Diplomacy: +0 *Herbalism Lore: +5 Intimidate: +0 *Medicine: +6 **Nature: +8 *Occultism: +5 Performance: +0 *Religion: +6 Society: +1 *Stealth: +5 *Survival: +6 Thievery: +1 *Trained | **Expert | ***Master

---

Seeing the kobolds don't seem to be threatening, Sija takes her hand off the knurled hilt of her belt knife and relaxes slightly. The sighing does seem to convey something. It's a communication mode she's used herself quite often, especially back when she had children... and a husband...

 

Clearly something is on this creature's mind. Something it might want the help of this group with. Knowing that sometimes the best way to talk business is to take it slow, she asks, "Tea, anyone?" and then steps up into the wagon to grab a kettle and some small, brightly-colored glazed cups.

---

OOC/Actions Other:  Action 1:  Action 2:  Action 3:  Reaction: None, yet Free:  Exploration Activity: Scout

Feats -Elf Atavism (Darkvision) -Monster Hunter -Battle Medicine -Natural Medicine -Herbalist Dedication --Advanced Alchemy --Alchemical Crafting -Twin Takedown -Gravity Weapon

Appearance Sija looks like a typical Vudran woman, often dressing in the more traditional fabric wrap of her homeland and often a headscarf or shawl. She often wears some form of ornamentation or jewelry on hands, ears, neck, and brow. She is older than most, though as a half-elf she wears her six decades with dignity and grace, with few signs of the decrepitude often seen in similarly aged humans. She is tall, and stands with a straight back and good posture. Her arm is strong and well-corded with sinew and muscle, perhaps appearing a touch wiry, and her skin a bit weathered from years outside. Her hair was once a glossy black, though now it is streaked with gray; more with each passing day.   She can often be found with a cudgel, a wicked-looking curved dagger, and a whip hanging from her belt. She wears these, and warm outer clothes or a cloak to protect her from the elements, when she travels. When expecting trouble she throws a bandolier on that's filled with flasks of healing ointments and poultices.

Gear Worn -Clothing (Winter) -Breastplate -Backpack -Belt Pouch -Healer's tools -Bandolier   Weapons -Club -Corset Knife -2x Dandpatta (PC) -Flyssa -5x Darts -Whip   Containers Backpack -Bedroll -Climbing Kit -Rations (2 weeks) -5x Sacks -5x Torches -Waterskin   Bandoliers -4x Flasks Oil   Belt/Pouch -10x Chalk -Crowbar -Flint and Steel -Soap -2x Candles -2gp 4sp 6cp

Edited May 23, 2023 by Kistler (see edit history)

[BlackHat]

Zakon Malheur

HP: 20/20 | AC: 14 | Perception: +7
Fort: +4 | Ref: +4 | Will: +9
Hero Points: O | Focus Points: O

Zakon joins Verne and Shaman Sukto, who seemed to be the authority figure among the kobolds. Perhaps this was someone that Zakon could reason with. He bows and formally greets the shaman, in draconic, before he inquires, "... I understand that your tribe has made a claim on this land." The judge jots some notes on a piece of parchment. "... I don't suppose you have any documentation of that claim...." The judge then waves his quill in a small circle, indicating the general area. "Could you tell us more about the Sootscale Tribe's territory?"

[Kavonde]

Shaman Sukto glances over at Sija when she raises the proposition of tea. "Would like to try. I have never had human tea."

He turns back to Zakon, and his reptilian expression turns somewhat puzzles. "Not familiar with that word, 'documentation.' But territory? We are kobolds. We have our home, and that is all our territory. I said that we claimed this patch because we are here, now. Maybe 'claim' is not the right word. We were here first, so it is ours until we leave. Unless you threaten us with violence, in which case it will be yours. None of us are stupid enough to fight you for it."

One of the other kobolds, finally finding their spear, bends to pick it up without realizing that his foot is on the end of the haft. When he tries to lift the weapon, it flexes for a moment and then snaps down into the dirt. The confused kobold tries to pick it up again, to the same result. He scratches his head in confusion.

"Okay, I am not stupid enough to fight you for it," Sukto sighs. "If you let us, we will pick a few more radishes--not to eat, but as a gift to our chief. We can tell him that there are reasonable long-legs in these lands again, too. Why are you here, anyway? Are you here to kill the Stag Lord?"

[PlotDevice]

   Verne Greencloak| HP: 24/24 | AC: 19 | Fort: +5  Ref: +6  Will: +10  Perception: +8 | Hero Points: 2/3 | Spell SlotsDruid 1: 2/2

---

Shardik | HP: 26/26 | AC: 19 | Fort: +6  Ref: +6  Will: +5  Perception: +5

 

Verne glances at Zakon, to see if he's serious. Of course he is. So the young man turns back and smiles at Sukto.

"We won't fight you over the radishes, but don't try to take them from underneath a bear's nose. My friend here worships the god of paper, so he is always seeking to find the trappings of his worship. He thinks paper is the way to hold truth. Can you just tell me, what are the boundaries of your territory? What other tribes are around here? Are any of them friends or enemies of the bandits? "

 

 

 

Edited May 25, 2023 by PlotDevice (see edit history)

[Kistler]

Sija Bhatyani - Half-Elf Ranger 2 HP: 32/32 | AC: 19 | Speed: 25ft | Hero: 1/3 | Focus: 1/1 Perception: +8 | Fort: +8 | Ref: +7 | Will: +6  Conditions-None| ResourcesInfused Items: -2x Lesser Antidote -2x Minor Elixir of Life Consumables: -1 PC affixed to dandpatta Talismans: - Items: - | AbilitiesFocus Spells: -Gravity Weapon Abilities -Darkvision -Flurry -Monster Hunter Actions: -Hunt Prey -Twin Takedown -Battle Medicine | Skills*Acrobatics: +5 *Arcana: +5 *Athletics: +8 Crafting: +1 Deception: +0 Diplomacy: +0 *Herbalism Lore: +5 Intimidate: +0 *Medicine: +6 **Nature: +8 *Occultism: +5 Performance: +0 *Religion: +6 Society: +1 *Stealth: +5 *Survival: +6 Thievery: +1 *Trained | **Expert | ***Master

---

Sija's eyes widen slightly. "It's made from leaves. Not... Well, you'll see." she pauses, hoping 'human tea' was just a matter of translation rather than some kobold delicacy. She busies herself with preparing it while the others talk, wondering what this kobold knows of the Stag Lord, and wondering if they can be trusted.

---

OOC/Actions Other:  Action 1: Roll perception for a 'sense motive' Action 2:  Action 3:  Reaction: None, yet Free:  Exploration Activity: Scout

Feats -Elf Atavism (Darkvision) -Monster Hunter -Battle Medicine -Natural Medicine -Herbalist Dedication --Advanced Alchemy --Alchemical Crafting -Twin Takedown -Gravity Weapon

Appearance Sija looks like a typical Vudran woman, often dressing in the more traditional fabric wrap of her homeland and often a headscarf or shawl. She often wears some form of ornamentation or jewelry on hands, ears, neck, and brow. She is older than most, though as a half-elf she wears her six decades with dignity and grace, with few signs of the decrepitude often seen in similarly aged humans. She is tall, and stands with a straight back and good posture. Her arm is strong and well-corded with sinew and muscle, perhaps appearing a touch wiry, and her skin a bit weathered from years outside. Her hair was once a glossy black, though now it is streaked with gray; more with each passing day.   She can often be found with a cudgel, a wicked-looking curved dagger, and a whip hanging from her belt. She wears these, and warm outer clothes or a cloak to protect her from the elements, when she travels. When expecting trouble she throws a bandolier on that's filled with flasks of healing ointments and poultices.

Gear Worn -Clothing (Winter) -Breastplate -Backpack -Belt Pouch -Healer's tools -Bandolier   Weapons -Club -Corset Knife -2x Dandpatta (PC) -Flyssa -5x Darts -Whip   Containers Backpack -Bedroll -Climbing Kit -Rations (2 weeks) -5x Sacks -5x Torches -Waterskin   Bandoliers -4x Flasks Oil   Belt/Pouch -10x Chalk -Crowbar -Flint and Steel -Soap -2x Candles -2gp 4sp 6cp

[Kavonde]

Shaman Sukto raises a scaly eyebrow at Sija, confused by her reaction. As she turns to leave, he turns his attention back to Verne. "I hope you do not take offense, but we would rather our home stay secret. The story of kobolds and long-legs always ends with many dead kobolds. But we are not a large or aggressive tribe. As for other kobold tribes, we do not know of any. And if the bandits have any kobold allies, we have not seen them. Given what the axe-woman did to Fiktok, I think they must have a special hate of my kind. Or she is just a monster."

The shaman regards Shardik as the bear happily munches on the radishes. "We are not aggressive, and we avoid long-legs as much as we can, but we fight sometimes with the gremlins beneath the Old Sycamore. We have a relic, you see, that helps us hide and stay safe. But these miflits--mad little fey--keep stealing the relic. They think it is funny. We have gotten it back twice now, but lost many good kobolds. Our chieftan is a good leader and takes it hard. He is a friend, and we are clutch-mates. So I thought I would bring him moon radishes." He gestures towards the patch. "But what would be even better is if I could find brave long-legs who would go to the Old Sycamore and drive the gremlins away. They are very bad neighbors. They delight in cruel pranks and make a game of torture. I fear that if they keep provoking us, there will be war, and that will not go well for the Sootscales."

[PlotDevice]

   Verne Greencloak| HP: 24/24 | AC: 19 | Fort: +5  Ref: +6  Will: +10  Perception: +8 | Hero Points: 2/3 | Spell SlotsDruid 1: 2/2

---

Shardik | HP: 26/26 | AC: 19 | Fort: +6  Ref: +6  Will: +5  Perception: +5

 

Verne looks around at his friends, then back to Shaman Sukto.

"I can't speak for everyone, or promise anything, but where is this Old Sycamore? And how can we let you know if we do manage to resolve the situation?"